Somehow they have to determine whether they just watched good offensive play or bad defensive technique.

Eight offensive touchdowns during Saturday’s 90-minute scrimmage at Paulson Stadium should have had offensive coaches smiling.

Two turnovers, however, suggest there’s still work to be done.

“There are some encouraging signs for sure,” GSU offensive coordinator Brent Davis said. “We have some guys with ability and they can make some plays, but they have to learn how to play without the ball as well.”

Ezayi Youyoute and Jerick McKinnon remained in a stalemate for the starting quarterback position vacated by the graduation of Jaybo Shaw. Youyoute ran for a score and threw for another, and McKinnon ran for two scores.

“It’s difficult to say this guy (is the starter) and not that guy because they’re both performing,” Eagles coach Jeff Monken said. “We’re going to finish out the spring with both at quarterback and then make a decision (as to) who can help us succeed in the fall and then find another place for the second guy. They’re both capable of playing another position. We’ll figure that out after spring.”

Another quarterback, Prince McJunkins, who could elevate to No. 2 after the spring, threw for another score. Reserve Russell DeMasi made a perfect option pitch to Tray Butler for another touchdown.

William Banks and Devin Scott ran for scores and B.J. Johnson and DeVonte Lewis caught touchdown throws from Youyoute and McJunkins, respectively.

“Our offense did a real good job driving the ball, all the groups,” McKinnon said. “We had a couple of drives when we didn’t execute, but we can always watch the film and correct it.”

Big play day

Linebacker Walter Jackson and defensive back Nick Wright took advantage of ill-fated offensive plays to pick off passes. Jackson returned his interception for a touchdown as big play after big play highlighted the first 45 minutes of practice.

Four offensive plays went 60 or more yards. Fullback Seon Jones had a 28-yard run and Scott added a 23-yarder.

It was a discouraging showing for a defense that ended the 2011 season allowing 151 points in the final four games. GSU gave up just 179 in its first 10 games.

“The biggest thing I have to say is we have to play with a lot more effort than we have,” Eagles defensive coordinator Jack Curtis said. “A lot of it was young guys getting out of their gaps or getting out-leveraged. But we have to do a better job. We have to keep our standards high and chase the ball.”

Monken diplomatically pointed out that the Eagles lined up in their base defense (four linemen, two linebackers). GSU’s defense also played shorthanded with only five starters from 2011 in action Saturday.

“I don’t know if we played as physical or with the kind of effort we need to have a good team, to be a successful team,” Monken said. “I’d like to see that improve. But in the same regard, there were some good plays, some good hits, some good tackles, some good blocks, some good runs. … Just the competition out here was positive for us. I’m glad we have two weeks to go.”

GSU has eight practices remaining, including its Blue-White spring game April 14.

Notes

• Defensive back Laron Scott, who finished his eligibility last season, attended practice. Scott was happy with his performance during GSU’s pro day Wednesday in front of scouts from the New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers.

“All I’m asking for is a shot,” said Scott, who hopes to be drafted in the lower rounds or get an opportunity in someone’s preseason camp as a free agent.

• Slotback Robert Brown and defensive end Dion DuBose were among the notables not seeing action Saturday. Brown, who ran for 946 yards and five touchdowns last season, has had back problems and has not practiced this spring. Monken said Brown will be reevaluated Monday. DuBose suffered a knee injury against Western Carolina late in the 2010 season and missed the entire 2011 season. He has practiced this spring.

• Offensive lineman Trevor McBurnett, who is expected to start at right guard, was out with a high left ankle sprain.

• Kicking guru Carol White was at GSU’s scrimmage, mentoring the Eagles’ kickers. White was a former kicking coach at Georgia Tech from 1985-88. She will be conducting a kicking clinic June 20-23 at GSU.